Sergio Busquets announces retirement from Spanish national team

The 34-year-old midfielder Sergio Busquets announced on Friday his retirement from the Spanish national football team after more than 13 years, in which he won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euro Cup.

The Barcelona player, captain of 'La Roja' in the Qatar World Cup, retires after playing 143 official matches and has been a fundamental piece in the midfielder position with all the coaches he has worked with.

He made his debut with the senior national team on April 1, 2009, in a World Cup qualifying match against Turkey, although two months earlier he was called up, but did not play, for a friendly match against England.

In a message on his social media, Busquets states that the time has come to say goodbye to the national team: "I would like to thank all the people who have accompanied me on this long journey. From Vicente del Bosque who gave me the opportunity to start, to Luis Enrique for making me enjoy until the last second".

"I would also like to thank the trust of Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro or Robert Moreno, as well as all their staffs. And of course, each and every one of my teammates, with whom I have fought to try to take the national team where it deserved, with more or less success but always giving everything and with the greatest of pride".

Busquets didn't want to forget in his farewell any member of the expedition "who, being in the background, have been equally important (physios, doctors, kitmen, delegates, nutritionists, staff, press, security, travel, etc...)", as well as "all the people and workers who have crossed my path and made it so special".

"Also, presidents, executives, sports directors, and those who, in one way or another, have been part of the federation. To all the fans, for the daily support received and especially when things didn't go as we expected. That's when you need them the most and we have to be more united. To all of you, thank you!", he assures.

He also wanted to thank "the most important thing", his family for supporting him "at every moment and in all my decisions and sharing this journey being away many days and always making me feel close so that I could give my best".

"It has been an honor to represent my country and take it to the highest level, to be a World and European champion, to be a captain and to play so many matches, with more or less success, but always giving everything and contributing my grain of sand to make everything as good as possible and for everyone to feel how important they are, helping everyone and fighting for the same goal, with unique, unforgettable and historic experiences", he says.

"I still get goosebumps thinking about it. I will miss it a lot (seeing the list of called-up players, taking the airline bridge, greeting my teammates, enjoying training sessions, the endless games of pocha, going out to play, not without first doing our chant together, listening to the national anthem while embracing, or feeling the affection of an entire country)", he stated.

Finally, Busquets wished "the best of luck" to his teammates and new coach Luis de la Fuente: "Now I will be just another fan, I will enjoy and support our national team unconditionally. Eternal thanks".